Thu Nov 20, 2014 6:31 pm
Wigan have lost their back of shirt sponsor Premier Range after the appointment of Malky Mackay
Thursday 20/11/14
Wigan Athletic have lost their back of shirt sponsor Premier Range following the controversial appointment of manager Malky Mackay.
The local kitchen firm, which carries a logo on the back of the Championship club side's kit, said that it had been left in an 'untenable position'.
Despite an ongoing FA investigation into a series of racist, sexist and homophobic texts exposed by Sportsmail, Mackay has been handed another chance in management 11 months after leaving Cardiff City.
Wigan have lost their back of shirt sponsor Premier Range after the appointment of Malky Mackay
The Scotsman took charge of his first training session on Thursday morning
'I would ask people to judge me when they see me. I've apologised for my mistakes I've studied diversity and that's something that's ongoing.
'It has been a difficult period and I have made mistakes. I hope that in my time at Wigan, the people of Wigan and the supporters see who I am and see that I'm someone that desperately wants the club to do well.'
Premier Range only started their sponsorship deal with the Latics in July, after formerly being associated with Burnley.
The partnership was the first time that Wigan have carried a back of shirt sponsor in their history - with the Lancashire based firm's website appearing above players' names.
At the time, Martin Mensforth, Director at Premier Range said: 'We think it’s very important for local businesses to support local teams as it can only add to the fabulous sense of community already surrounding a great side.'
Mackay, who was confirmed as the new manager of Wigan on Wednesday, will be hoping his side can bounce back from two consecutive defeats on Saturday.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan revealed Mackay’s rolling contract includes a clause that protects the club in case the FA end up punishing their new manager.
The FA investigation is still two or three weeks away from completion and while disciplinary officials have to decide whether to differentiate between public and private communication, the most senior officials at Wembley want to see action taken.
At the same time, a Cardiff investigation into eight transfers completed during Mackay’s tenure is also ongoing.